Growth in tourist numbers set to continue

THE number of tourists arriving here next year is expected to reach 7.7 million, according to forecasts from Tourism Ireland.

Launching the 2004 tourism marketing strategy yesterday, Tourism Ireland said it was expecting to see the strong growth in visitor numbers this year continuing in 2004. It said based on current estimates, there would be a 4.5% rise in tourists coming here this year and a 4.4% rise next year.

The body said it would be pumping 31 million into marketing Ireland abroad and would increase its campaigns in our key markets.